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The moment I enter the room, my eyes zero in on the reason for my misery. He’s looking all cool and sexy, leaning against the wall.
“No sleep last night either?” Jose asks. I turn to him a little startled to hear his voice. Even though I knew they were there, everyone other than Dean had somehow become part of the background.
“Yeah, it was a rough night,” I answer.
“Might have been better if you’d come out to dinner with me like you agreed,” he mumbles.
“Oh shit, Jose! I’m so sorry, I completely forgot!” What an ass I am!
“It’s okay, Tony showed up. Dean told me you two went out on a date?”
“Yeah, well…” my eyes go to Dean, who is watching me with a frown.
“Alright, guys and gal, ya’ll ready? Let’s get out there and give it all we got.” Julie stands and we follow her out.
Before I can make it out the door, Dean calls me. “Kitty cat, wait a second.” When I ignore him, he pulls me back. “Hey, wait, what’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” I say without looking at him.
“The hell it’s nothing.”
“Can we please just get this challenge over with?” I say, trying to yank myself free.
“I thought there was something up the moment you walked in. Now I’m damned sure of it. What’s wrong?” he demands.
I consider lying, telling him that’s it’s the competition, but what comes out of my mouth is beyond my control. “I know you’re a thief.”
He rears back, but doesn’t let me go. “What are you talking about?”
“Does Kingston Jewelers sound familiar?”
“How do you know about that?” he asks through gritted teeth.
“What matters is that I know,” I hiss back at him.
“You know nothing, Cat. Ask me why?”
“So that you can lie to me?” I ask.
“I never lied. In fact, I’ve told you to get to know me. So, ask me,” he insists.
“I already know everything I need to. Thank god Reese won’t have to deal with men and their shit.”
With a smirk, he lets me go. “Women can be just as vile as men, kitty cat. Maybe more so.”
“Whatever. Can we just get this day over with?”
Shaking his head, he says, “I know you’re ready to jump on anything that makes it easier to push me away. But don’t forget, everyone has a past.” He takes my chin in his hands, and forces me to look up at him. “You should know that better than anyone, kitty cat. When you’re ready, ask me.”
Being on the outs like this with Dean makes me feel somehow compromised. In fact, the entire challenge has been compromised because of him. Resentment flowing through my veins, making me sluggish and frustrated, I step out onto the floor.
Our families have been given front row seats, so to speak. Reese is my only family here today. Dean’s parents are sitting on one side of her, while Jose’s father is on the other. They all watch with mixed looks of pride and anticipation.
The three of us, Dean, Jose and I, line up in front of Julie.
After the usual introductions, she unveils today’s workout challenge.
“Got to love leg day,” Jose says, winking at me.
